Origins

The project began with Frederick Douglass / Liberty, a linocut “contemporary reimagining” created by artist Adam Himoff in 2020. The limited-edition portrait sought to draw Douglass from the past into the present, capturing him not as a static historical figure, but as a vibrant, enduring force of American freedom. The work was recognized for its deep cultural resonance, leading to its acquisition by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) for their permanent art collection at their national headquarters in New York City.

Easton, Maryland

In 2023, Frederick Douglass / Liberty transitioned from private collections to the public square. Working in collaboration with The Dock Street Foundation and the Frederick Douglass Honor Society in Easton, Maryland — near Douglass’s birthplace — Himoff developed a 21-foot tall mural of the portrait. Installed in the heart of the historic district at the site of the “Out of the Fire” restaurant, the mural served as a cultural landmark, catalyzing conversation and bridging the gap between 19th-century history and 21-century contemporary art.

The Reginald F. Lewis Museum in Baltimore

Following the success of the project in Easton, the project expanded to the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture in Baltimore. A second 21-foot installation was commissioned to stand at the museum’s entrance, greeting visitors with a powerful symbol of Maryland’s heritage. This installation solidified the work’s role as a vital conversation piece within the state's cultural landscape.

Media & Cultural Impact The Frederick Douglass / Liberty project has been widely featured in regional and national media, recognized for its ability to engage diverse communities in conversations about history and the power of the individual voice to effect change.

• Public Art Status: Mural installations in Easton and Baltimore

• Institutional Presence: Permanent collection of the ACLU

• Collaborators: The Reginald F. Lewis Museum, Dock Street Foundation, Frederick Douglass Honor Society, and local cultural stakeholders

• Press Coverage: The Washington Post, NPR, Baltimore Magazine and more

Collections